Citizens without Borders: Yugoslavia and Its Migrant Workers in Western Europe

This book explores the relationship between Yugoslavia and its labor migrants who left to work in Western Europe in the 1960s and 1970s, examining how they were perceived by policy-makers and social scientists and how they were portrayed in popular culture. It also shows how migrants responded to these efforts and how they perceived their own relationship to the homeland.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Yugoslavia, among Eastern European postwar socialist states, stood out for its unique policy of allowing its citizens to seek employment opportunities in Western European liberal democracies. This captivating book charts the evolution of the intricate relationship between Yugoslavia and its labor migrants who ventured to work in Western Europe during the 1960s and 1970s. It delves into the multifaceted perceptions of these migrants by policy-makers, social scientists, and popular culture, encompassing radio, newspapers, and cinema. These state-initiated cultural, educational, and informational programs were designed to strengthen ties with migrants and their children, effectively governing across international borders. Central to these initiatives was the promotion of the concept of homeland, which played a pivotal role in shaping the migrants' experiences and perceptions of their relationship with their country of origin.

In his insightful work, Le Normand explores the diverse responses of migrants to these homeland-focused initiatives. He examines how migrants interpreted these efforts and how they perceived their own connection to the homeland, drawing upon their migration experiences. Citizens without Borders takes us on a journey to examine how different levels of government, including the federal, republican, and local administrations, engaged with migrant workers to promote varying notions of belonging. These notions were grounded in distinct concepts of home, reflecting the diverse cultural and political landscapes of Yugoslavia.

Through meticulous research and analysis, this book sheds light on the complex dynamics between Yugoslavia, its labor migrants, and the broader geopolitical context of the Cold War. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of migrants, their contributions to Western European economies, and the challenges they faced in navigating a new cultural and social landscape. By examining the interplay between state policies, popular culture, and individual perceptions, Citizens without Borders offers a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted relationship between Yugoslavia and its labor migrants, contributing to our understanding of migration and transnationalism in the postwar era.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487525156